West Dunbartonshire hospitality staff urged to challenge groups breaching rule of six

The new guidelines came into force today limiting meet-ups to a maximum of two households.

Hospitality staff in West Dunbartonshire are being urged to challenge groups of people meeting up if they suspect they are breaching Covid-19 guidance.

On Thursday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that no more than six people from two households should meet at any one time, either outdoors or indoors.

Although children under 12 do not contribute to the six, adults from different households should remain two metres apart from each other.

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And the West Dunbartonshire licensing board chair, Councillor Ian Dickson, is encouraging those who work in restaurants and bars to question any group who they think isn’t sticking to the rules.

He said: “It is vital for premises to collect and correctly record all of the details of everyone visiting their premises. In a group, we would ask that all individual details are recorded and not just a main contact for the group. We would also ask staff to be vigilant and to question any party if they think they are breaking the rules set out by the Scottish Government.

“We all have a responsibility to play our part in suppressing the virus and I would like to remind people visiting bars and restaurants or making a booking to expect to be asked about their group, and to confirm they are from a maximum of two households if indoors. We all need to do the right thing and act responsibly. By abiding by these rules, we will avoid the need for further restrictions to be imposed.”

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He also praised the work being done by licensed premises to protect themselves and customers from contracting the virus as it was revealed licensing officers from West Dunbartonshire Council have made over 300 visits to ensure venues are sticking to the guidance.

Since lockdown, officers have provided extensive online support and advice to traders on implementing updated guidance, including on physical distancing, contact tracing and the use of background music and volume on televisions.

Licensing officers also developed a Quick Response (QR) code for premise owners which directly linked users to the most up to date advice and guidance.

We reported last week how the owner of a licensed premise in West Dunbartonshire volunteered to close it down due to overcrowding.

The licence holder shut the doors for one night after being unable to enforce social distancing between customers.

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